Mental Health Services

Mental Health Care in Ireland

Mental health services in Ireland are provided through the HSE, voluntary organisations, and private practitioners. Access depends on your location, eligibility, and the type of support you need. Updated for 2026 HSE.

HSE Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs)

The HSE provides mental health care through Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) across Ireland. Each team typically includes:

• Consultant psychiatrists.
• Psychiatric nurses.
• Social workers.
• Occupational therapists.
• Clinical psychologists.

How to Access

You need a referral from your GP to access HSE community mental health services. The GP will assess your needs and refer you to the appropriate team.

Waiting Times

Waiting times vary by region. In some areas, you may wait weeks for an initial assessment; in others, months. Priority is given to those with more severe conditions.

CAMHS: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) provide specialist mental health care for children and young people (up to age 18). CAMHS teams include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and nurses.

• Referral: Through your GP, school, or social services.
• Conditions treated: Depression, anxiety, ADHD, eating disorders, ASD assessments, psychosis.
• Waiting times: Variable: some areas have significant waiting lists.

If you are concerned about a child's mental health, speak to your GP in the first instance.

Counselling and Psychotherapy

HSE Counselling

The HSE offers limited counselling services, often through primary care teams. Access requires a GP referral.

• Primary Care Psychology: Short-term therapy (typically 6 — 8 sessions) for mild to moderate issues.
• Waiting times: 6 — 12 months in many areas.

Low-Cost Counselling

• MyMind: Low-cost counselling (€20 — €60 per session) in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and online.
• Turning Point (Dublin): Sliding-scale fees based on income.
• Pieta House: Free crisis counselling for suicidal ideation and self-harm.
• Samaritans: Free 24/7 listening support: call 116 123.
• Aware: Support groups for depression: free.

Private Therapy

Costs typically range from €50 — €120 per session (€50 — €80 for a trainee or sliding-scale therapist, €90 — €120+ for an experienced psychologist). Check if your private health insurance covers counselling (many plans include 6 — 12 sessions per year).

Crisis Services

• Emergency: Call 112 or 999 for immediate danger to life.
• Samaritans: Freephone 116 123: 24/7.
• Pieta House: Freephone 1800 247 247: 24/7 crisis line.
• Aware: 1800 80 48 48: 10am — 10pm daily.
• Text About It: Text HELLO to 50808: 24/7 text service.
• Your local ED: If in crisis, go to your nearest Emergency Department.

Mental Health and Medical Cards

Medical Card holders can access HSE mental health services free of charge, including psychiatrist care, psychology, and counselling. GP Visit Card holders get free GP consultations to discuss mental health concerns, but onward referrals may involve costs.

How to Get the Right Level of Support

Irish mental health services are organised in tiers, and the biggest mistake people make is going to the wrong tier first — which costs time and money. The pathway in 2026:

1. Start with your GP. They can assess severity, prescribe medication, refer you to HSE community mental health services (CMHT), or signpost you to counselling. This is the gateway to all public specialist care.
2. For mild-to-moderate issues, consider primary care psychology or low-cost counselling (MyMind, local HSE counselling, or private therapists) while you wait for specialist referral — waiting lists for CMHT assessment can run months.
3. For children and young people under 18, the pathway is CAMHS. Referrals come from GPs, schools, or social services. CAMHS waiting times vary significantly by region, so ask your GP which services have the shortest wait.
4. In crisis, skip the queue: call 112/999, Pieta House (1800 247 247), Samaritans (116 123), or text HELLO to 50808. Crisis services are free and available 24/7.

If you have a Medical Card, HSE mental health services (psychiatry, psychology, counselling) are free. If not, check your private health insurance — many plans include 6–12 counselling sessions per year.

Costs and Practical Considerations (2026)

• Public CMHT care: free for Medical Card holders; otherwise the standard public hospital charges may apply for outpatient appointments.
• Primary Care Psychology: short-term (6–8 sessions) for mild-to-moderate issues, GP referral required, waiting times of 6–12 months in many areas.
• Low-cost counselling: MyMind €20–€60 per session; Turning Point sliding scale; many local community centres offer subsidised sessions.
• Private therapy: €50–€120+ per session; check insurance coverage first, and ask therapists about sliding scales or trainee rates.
• Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs): many Irish employers offer free, confidential counselling sessions through their EAP — check what your workplace provides; it is often the fastest route to a first session.

Medical disclaimer: this guide is for general information only. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 112 or 999 now. You do not need to be in crisis to seek help — early support prevents escalation.